Scarlet Letter Literary Criticism

All great stories have thorough reports from several different literary critics, what do they have to say on The Scarlet Letter? The Scarlet Letter in the nineteenth century is comparable to early twentieth century and late twentieth century criticism.

Early nineteenth century critics think the story was a tremendous work of art. A "Review of New Books" thought the story is "a genuine native romance" (Ripley 295). This is shown through the struggle of Hester and Arthur to have a secret love affair and find time to see each other periodically throughout the story. Ripley believes The Scarlet Letter is his greatest work by "imposing splendor of portative" (295). Hawthorne is a master at telling this story very haunted at times. Ripley ponders, "Roger Chillingworth is depicted with such fearful directness and vigor that it is his informal presence that must long haunt the chamber of memory" (295). The critic feels that Hawthorne would move the audience to a sad place as Chillingworth haunted Dimmesdale. Hawthorne's work is even considered better than the highly famous Edgar Allen Poe. Ripley states, "Hawthorne makes his tragedies with a wonderful insight and skill, to which the intellect of Poe was a stranger'" (295). This is a great compliment for Hawthorne, as Poe has some great dark stories. But its true, because it seems like this story was always gloomy. Just when you think things are going to get good at the end, when Dimmesdale is in a good mood, he quickly gets sick again. This was very interesting, because it is a different twist to the normal happy story. The people in the story as a whole are spoken of. The people in the story were more symbolic than just a character, "very picturesquely arranged," mainly because the story isn't about them, but what they stand for (James 29). For instance, Pearl is the living sin. Nineteenth century criticism is positive to the story.